2025 London Marathon Preview: A Clash of Legends, Records, and Redemption
The morning of April 27, 2025, promises to unfold like few others in marathon history. As the sun rises over the Thames, London isn’t just waking up to another race day—it’s preparing for a spectacle.
The city is alive. Over 750,000 fans are expected to line the iconic course that snakes past Cutty Sark, over Tower Bridge, and along the Embankment before finishing on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. More than 56,000 runners are registered—an all-time high. But while the masses bring color, energy, and emotion, the eyes of the world will be fixed on a smaller group of athletes with everything on the line.
At the heart of the story is Alexander Mutiso Munyao. A year ago, he stunned the field with a 2:04:01 victory, running calmly and delivering a decisive kick that sealed his win. But things haven’t gone as planned since. A forgettable showing at the Paris Olympics left him searching for answers. Now, he returns not just to defend a title, but to restore a reputation. A recent 59:16 half marathon suggests he’s back on track.
Then there’s Tamirat Tola. The Ethiopian walks with the quiet dignity of an Olympic champion; he earned that title last summer in Paris, but his history with London is less kind. A DNF here last year lingers in memory. He has unfinished business; this year, he arrives focused, lean, and dangerous.
New York, New York, USA
November 5, 2023, photo by Kevin Morris
Among the veterans and champions, a new name stirs the air with electric potential: Jacob Kiplimo. The Ugandan prodigy holds the half-marathon world record (56:42) and has long teased the marathon world with glimpses of what could be. Now, he finally steps onto the stage. No one knows exactly how he’ll handle the distance, but if his track and road credentials are any clue, we’re in for a performance that could redefine debut marathons.
And then—Eliud Kipchoge. The legend. The poet of the roads. Once untouchable, the 40-year-old has endured a challenging 18 months. A 10th place in Tokyo, a DNF in Paris—whispers of retirement swirl. Yet he stands tall, preparing for another tilt at glory. Is this the twilight of a titan, or the prologue to a final, unforgettable chapter?
CLICK HERE to Read the Full Original Article at runblogrun…